One day remained until the festival.

He sought the Vicar in his cramped office, where the rail-thin man removed his spectacles and addressed him before he could say a word. "I'm glad to see you here. You have questions, I suppose; it shows in your eyes. But first, have you performed today's preparations as I described them?"

Justin nodded mutely.

"Good, good. So what's bothering you? Not having second thoughts, I hope?"

"The rite is tomorrow. Will you tell me what I have to do?"

"No. That is for you to decide; and I think, one way or another, that you already know. If you like, however, I'll tell you what I'm going to do."

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